Friday, March 19, 2010

Depapepe

I discovered a new musical duo. Depapepe.
A Japanese duo who first launched their debut album in 2005. Enjoy...:)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

...........zzz...............

How can something so fulfilling in some months become an utter source of boredom in other months?

The pendulum swings. The cycle begins.

I can taste the bittersweet grain of things. I can hear the churn of the machines.

Love-hate relationship.

With?

Work, of course.

OMG.

God, grant me the energy to keep my eyelids up for the rest of the afternoon......

Love It, Hate It?

I can't claim to be a music critic or be well-versed in any genre or forms of music..
But I seem to like this particular performance alot...

Pompeii

One of those songs in which you can imagne great and grand settings in some greek or roman empire building...

Last of the Mohicans

I’ve always liked this song. I don’t know what genre you call this. Celtic music? Hmm…yeah I think it is. I have a CD on Celtic music…think it’s time I dig it out from the cupboard. :)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

What you would you....

If you had zero commitments and liabilities right now,
And were given the chance to drop everything,
And do something you want,
What would you do?

If you weren’t that afraid of the unknown,
And that comfortable with your current situation,
And that stubborn to stick to what you’re doing now,
What would you try?

If you had a lot more courage,
And a little bit more sense of adventure,
And perhaps a dash of impulse,
What would you endeavour?

What would you attempt?
What would you take a crack at?
What would you give a shot at?

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

*Breathe*

Had two dreams. One last night and one this morning on the train to work.
Both were the same dream.

I was in an underground cave which was almost full with water. I had to swim fully submerged underwater to get out. Paddled with the right hand and The left hand was held above my head feeling the roof of the cave for any potential cavities for pockets of air I could catch a few breaths from. I felt rather suffocated. My lungs were bursting.

And then I woke.

It was exactly the same for both dreams.

Sunday, March 07, 2010

I'm not alone

I've never seen anyone else with triangular-shaped nostrils.

Till yesterday on the MRT, when I saw an auntie from China.

Voila. I'm not the only one with strangely-shaped nostrils.

Friday, March 05, 2010

*yum*

I have a perpetual love affair....

With chicken wings....

Grilled preferably.
Without batter.

Fresh Blood

A new colleague just came in.
Oh well, he's not entirely new. He was with my company previously but left about 3 years ago, had a stint outside but was still in the same industry and now he's back again.

New colleague, new dynamics again.

He's a smart smart guy..Hope he injects new directions to the way the compan is run.
And hope I can learn more things from him.

bleah

Clumsiness brings you...

A 1.5inch scratch on the side of your knee.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

Sigh

What else do you do to help a staff learn?
What more can you do to change the attitude of a staff?

Me: *explains what she needs to do to amend a document*
Me: You get it or not?
Her: *nods*
Her: Ok, heh. I ask mei mei (a temp staff) to help me.
Me: Why everytime ask her to do YOUR things? You need to try then you can learn mah. Then next time when she’s not around already then how? Who’s going to help you do?
Her: Heh. Orh thanks. *walks off*

Thursday, February 25, 2010

There's Something Strange In the Neighbourhood

- pimple outbreak
- tiredness
- aching back
- aching feet
- bloatedness

something’s coming…

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

more GRUMbles

In a foul mood.

Is this Murphy's Law? When you're on leave, your boss finds you through calls and SMS-es. But when you're in office, there's nary a sound from him???

WTH?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Street Drummer

Just using normal pails and stuff...
Quite cool..Makes me wish I had some sort of musical talent in me...
But I think I've nary a shred ahahhaa...enjoy the vid!

:(

I'm upset.
I won't get the chance to go on a safari tour afterall.

And so much so for having taken 3 vaccination jabs and 1 oral vaccine. And endured 2 days of having a sore upper left arm.

I'm not going to Nairobi afterall. :(

Some friggin islamist insurgency millitant group originating from Somalia issued a video statement threatening to bomb the US Embassy and our meeting venue. But didn't say when. Still for safety and security reasons, alot of people are pulling out of the meeting.......alot of those foreigners I'm familiar with are not going too....The US, Australia and UK State Travel Departments have issued travel advisories against travel to Nairobi.

Upsetting...sigh.
It's been a dream since young to visit the safari....:(

Oh well.
I'm putting more hope on the conference in Brussels coming up in June.
*crosses fingers*

Je n'aime pas les boutons!

Which translates t "I hate pimples!"

Having a bad breakout…probably because of…

- that time of the month drawing near
- all the junk food consumed during CNY gatherings and festivities
- that hair cream which I was instructed to use after perming
- general skin sensitivity

early morning grumbles

There are times when I should just mind my own business. I can’t help but voice things out when there’s something dumb and inefficient I see going on.

But whatever lah. This small voice of a small manager is easily dismissed by a Senior Manager. So I’ll just curse at her silently and wish that she f*cks off.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Dans La Cuisine

When I have kids of my own, regardless of whether they are sons or daughters, I’ll make sure they at least have some level of competency in the kitchen.

I think it’s essential. And yes, I do thank my mum for making me to learn and help out in the kitchen when I was younger.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Mothers...

My mum still talks to me like I'm a child at times or like as if I don't know anything...
Nag here nag there...sigh...

Are all mothers like this?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Requiem for a Dream - Clint Mansell

I like this song...Power.

Earful

Everybody needs a listening ear from time to time.

Maybe we spend a considerable time during our youth being listening ears to others, especially the older folks. When we get older, we ourselves want more air-time. We pounce on unsuspecting younger people…and so the cycle continues.

Everybody needs a listening ear from time to time.

Some people listen better than others. Some talk better than others. And others just see better than others. So what are you? Or which are you? I think I’m the former. Some people talk, without listening to themselves. Some people talk, without listening to others and it ends up as a one-man tirade.

Everybody needs a listening ear from time to time.

Be it for grouses, happy things, sad stuff, general chat or nonsensical things...

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

爱心 Cookies

Ok, so they don't really look like choc cookies, but at least the taste and fragrance is there haha.
I should have sprinkled some choc chips on the cookies before sending them off into the oven....:)
They ended up looking more like oatmeal cookies. ;p
Voila, the finished product...:)
Spent at least 3.5 hours after work trying to get everything done up nicely.
No points for guessing who was the recipient of the gift...hehe.
I love the ribbons!!! White, lilac and silver...

Friday, February 12, 2010

Meteor Garden

It all started with K playing Harlem Yu's song one night. "Qing Fei De Yi".

The main theme song from the all-too famous Taiwanese drama "Meteor Garden" from all those years back. I think it was almost 6-7 years back. Or was it more? I really can't remember!

The song brought back memories of that show.
Before I knew it. And before I could stop myself. I started watching the show again.

This is probably my 3rd time watching the whole show.

I am surprisingly still hooked to it. I wonder why.

It still evokes a certain sense of yearning in me. I still swoon over Jerry Yen.
I still like Barbie Hsu. I still think she's sweet looking and very much like an Asian barbie doll.

I still get touched at the same scenes, get irked by the same scenes and get emotional at the same scenes as when I watched the show last time.

Hmm.....;p

Fivers

I went through an exercise about 4 years back. It was a strange campaign. A little self-centered some may say, but maybe also a process of understanding yourself better too.

Then, I went around bugging a few close friends to each give ma a set of 5 words. 5 words which, in their opinion, best describes me.

I think it’d be cool to go through this again. For posterity, for fun, for more understanding.

Purpleskies was one of them who had to go through my incessant bugging back in 2006. ;p Poor thing.

But oh well, she’ll need to go through it again. Yes, my darling, you’re reading this and you have the CNY holidays to prepare the 5 words. Will ask you next week haha. ;p

I was looking through my past entries from 2006. And I came across 5 words from Glenn.
Hormonal, Emphathetic, Lively, Linguist and Sensible.
After 4 years, looking at these 4 words, I’ve come to realize that some still hold true and one or two might be a little inaccurate already.

So what would be your 5 words to describe me now?

Thursday, February 11, 2010

wth

It is said that in the Year of the Tiger, the tiger and the monkey will be at extreme loggerheads.

How nice.

I am surrounded by tigers.

Mother. Boss. K's Dad. K's bro-in-law.

=====
"You don't antagonise me, I don't antagonise you." She said.

"Fine. You don't step in my way, I don't step in yours. The former happens 95 times more than the latter anyway." I replied.

That was a few weeks ago.

=====
Voila. And we had the first argument of the year.

Over a hot pan of yam cake.

Sheesh.

Waves


Ok, I don't really look good in pics.... haha...
But here you go...big waves...can't be really clearly seen though..hmm
Didn't do massive curls

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Ni Yao De Ai - Penny Dai

I admit. I was a fan of Meteor Garden and I think I still am. Oh well at least, I definitely don't mind watching the whole drama again.

This is my favourite song from the show...Penny Dai's Ni Yao De Ai.
"The Love That You Want" I don't understand the MV though.

Online shopping

The first time I tried ordering online.
Out of 2 tops, I only wore one.

The second time I bought stuff online.
Out of 2 tops. I wore one.
There was a belt. It's still hanging in the cupboard.

The third time I did it.
Out of 6 tops, I wore 2 and gave away 2.
Am still wondering what to do with the other 2 sitting in the cupboard.

I don't know why I am so stubborn.
When the experiences so far have been far from good.

I am trying a fourth time.
I just received a mail saying that they've despatched the goods out already.

I should receive the things today or tomorrow.
1 bag and 2 tops.

*crosses fingers*

:(

Sad leh.

Am told by quite a number of folks that the curls I did are not enough. And it seems to be loosening up so much that it looks like just a body volume perm now.

Sigh. Waste money?

Monday, February 08, 2010

evolution

I used to listen to English songs when I was a kid. I mean come on, I've got two "kantang" parents...and a "kantang" brother as well...went from 98.7FM with my brother to 90.5Fm with my parents...

And then in 1993. By some strange discovery, or myabe it was through a friend's influence, i discovered Chinese music. And I switched to 93.3FM. For a long long while I was listening to Mandarin songs for more than 95% of my time.

It was a strange thing actually. I was listening to Mandarin songs, watching Chinese dramas and getting hyper over singers like Alex To...But I was struggling with Chinese in school. It was quite a paradox really haha.

And for the next 15 years, it was Mandopop all the way.

Till 2007, 2008 and 2009 when I found myself switching back to English songs...

Things happened naturally...and now I'm back to being a Class95FM listener...

I tried listening to 933Fm that day and found it a little jarring to my ears haha..

Alex To - Lover

We were listening to Chinese songs. The first time we've done that haha.
And hearing some of the old songs made me nostalgic. I remember the below song being one of the nice ones from 10 years ago...


It's Spring!

I've come to realise that...

The days are getting longer!

Springtime! :)

It's 640pm now and the skies are still as bright as ever! :)

jab jab jab

I went for vaccinations today...:(
Had 3 jabs...and another oral vaccine.

yellow fever
thyphoid
hepatitis A
polio

I went TTSH with the intention of only having the yellow fever jab and ended up with 3 more vaccines....gosh.

Is Africa really country with so many rampant diseases?

Took 2 jabs in the left arm and 1 in the right.
Left arm feels a little sore now...

curly fries

I did it. Finally. :) A step into being more open and positive.

I permed my hair haha. After talking about it for 2-3 years.

But I think I won’t do it again till maybe a few years later or what….I sat for 5 hours in the salon. I thought spending 4 hours to rebond my hair last time was bad enough…This took 5 hours haha…My bum was a little numb at one point in time lol.

Mixed reactions from people haha. Aunties say nice…peers say quite okay, some said nice also. The Coll and another guy said there’s no difference, just a wavier version of my previous straight hair. My brother said there’s not much difference too, just some waves only…

One thing I know. Maintenance can be quite a chore for such manes…

Friday, February 05, 2010

Birdie Time Again

Ok, trips are confirmed.

28 Feb – 3 Mar: KL
6 – 13 Mar: Nairobi, Kenya

But damn it, I need to go for a yellow fever vaccination at least 2 weeks before the Nairobi trip. And maybe even a thyroid vaccination too…..

I don’t want needles!!! :(

What the??

Omg. I don’t like the cover done on the two songs….
And the styling of the two boys was horrendous. Two pale vampires with curry-puff hair….errrrrr……


Thursday, February 04, 2010

Yellow

I was dressing up this morning. I picked one of my fav tops…
A comfy yellow half cotton, half knit-wear type of top to match my beige skirt…..

I put it on.

It went over my head. My arms slid through the sleeves…..And then I heard an awful sound………………

*Spppprrrrrrriiiiiaaaaattttttttccccchhhhhhh*

Oh shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTH!

One big hole appeared right in the front of the blouse. A seam had decided there and then to part ways...A seam which runs right below the chest area……

*wails*

I hope it can be mended….Hmm……

幸福小女人 – 重播

Hehe, K surprised me with dinner! He made crepes! Both savoury and dessert crepes! So clever!! Hahhaa…And so sweet of him! :)
My crepe! With sausage, egg, mushroom and cheese filling



The whole spread! With salad and greens....
He had a tuna and cheese crepe.....

The dessert crepes...Bottom one was butter and honey crepe.
And the top one's my all-time favouraite! Nutella crepe!!

Thank you baby! :D

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

More Mid-Afternoon Comic Relief


Itchy Fingers? Hiak Hiak


This Morning

6 SMS-es in 20 minutes.
Is this considered harassment? I think almost?

But they were from the man who controls how much bonus I’ll get in May.

Oh, woe is me!

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Oh, don't we all love to compare?? Haha


The Tech Era

I've got a feeling.
That the youngsters of the next generation will start saying things like this.

I cannot stand people who jump to conclusions.

I had this on my MSN nick today. "Je Veux". Which in French means "I Want".
JM is someone who understands French.

JM: Hey Congrats!!
Me: Huh? Congratulate me for what?
JM: Cos you're engaged!!
Me: Engaged?
Me: What the hell makes you think I'm engaged???

JM: Cos you wrote "je veux"
Me: Pls lor. Don't anyhow jump to conclusions lor.
Me: In any case, "je veux" means I want lor.
Me: It doesn't mean "I do" or " I will" lor.
JM: haha ok.

Like WTF?
I couldn't be bothered to reply.

5 minutes later.

JM: What is the thing which inspires you most recently?

omg. irksome.

Me: Truth be told. NOTHING.

And yes, that killed the conversation.
Just the way I wanted it.

I needed to concentrate on work anyway.
So adieu to silly conversations and people who jump to conclusions.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Voila, load up ladies! It pays to paint yourself a little!

There are times when I can't resist posting something.
This is one of those moments. :)

Ed Alleyne-Johnson

It's music like this which accompanies me while I work.
Left me friggin speechless man...

Friday, January 29, 2010

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Rainbow Connection - Kermit The Frog

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
They're only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they're wrong wait and see

Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see

Someday we'll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me

Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I've heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds that called
The young sailors
I think they're one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
There's something that I'm supposed to be

Someday we'll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Self

I remember the time when:

I had more patience
I was less judgemental
I was more open
I was less guarded
I was more happy-go-lucky
I was more caring
I was less selfish

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Cross-roads

I was walking home earlier tonight.

And at a cross junction, I saw an old man. With a walking stick. The kind which branches out into 4 other legs about 5 inches from the floor.

He was ambling and wanting to cross the road. No. He was shuffling. No. I can't find the right word. Let's just say each step he took was probably only about 4-5 inches wide.

I was waiting for my green man to appear and was crossing from South to North. He was crossing from West to East. I was staring at him, fearing for him. How the hell was he going to make it to the other side before the green man changed to red?

I was undecided. I wanted to walk with him. I didn't know what to do. I was so worried for him. My heart went out to him but my feet stayed rooted to the ground. I still didn't know if I should go forward or not.

By that time, a few others were watching too. From where I was, from the opposite side of the road, from within vehicles.

The green man stopped blinking and changed to red. He still wasn't even halfway across the road, only 3-quarters of the way to the middle island where the green railings are usually placed.

Everyone was staring. I could feel it in them too. Everybody felt for him but somehow didn't move forward to be with him or to hold him or to guide him. A young girl next to me was undecided too. I could see it in the way she stood and faced him, as I did.

The cars had started moving by now. Some couldn't move because of him, others veered around him. Some were turning into his lane but couldn't. One asshole of a motorbike rider was honking at him.

By that time, my own green man had appeared and it was time for me to cross. I crossed, as did the few others who were with me. Each of us took furtive glances back at the old man. Undeniably to see how he was doing and to see if he was okay.

He had reached the midway point by now and was just standing motionless there. One hand on his walking stick. The other cluthing his sling bag close to his body. The cars moved. In front of him and behind him. It felt harrowing just seeing him there. So frail and helpless amidst the traffic.

And then in what seemed like forever, his green man appeared again. The cars stopped. People started crossing from West to East and from East to West again. And he started shuffling again to get to other side of the road. Hopefully before the red man appeared.

When his green man appeared, it seemed like a signal. Everyone who was watching anxiously suddenly went about their ways as usual. No more glances back at him. No more walking slowly just to be around just in case something happened to him. Everything went back to normal.

I continued crossing the road, albeit still with some glances back at the old man. When I reached the other side, I stood and watched him from a distance as he snailed along.

Only when he reached the other side safely did I turn to continue with my journey home.

My heart felt heavy though. I was disappointed in myself. It was not the first time that I was caught in such a situation. Of wanting to offer help but not knowing how and not knowing whether I should or not. And ending up just standing there watching from a distance, wishing the other party well and praying for them.

swoon

There I was, taking a slow walk along the main pathway within Times bookstore. He was with a companion, in one of the arterial pathways veering off the main one. I remember it was at the Marketing and Finance section.

He had just left his companion's side and was taking a few steps toward the main pathway. His inquisitive gaze was sweeping the row of bookshelves, scanning the volumes of books lined up there, plump and ripe for picking by any curious reader.

I happened to glance up at the very moment his eyes reached the main pathway. We locked gazes for a moment or two before he turned away and continued with his scan of the bookshelves. He had one hand running across the spines of the books laid out in front of him.

Oh my, I thought to myself. He's gorgeous.

Pan-asian face. Soft dewy skin. Brown-skinned and tanned. Light fluffy hair of a pale shade of brown. With a hint of curls forming around the back of his head near his neck. And that pair of large beautiful eyes. Almost sparkling. With a thick thick fan of lashes adorning each eye.

His companion called out to him and in response, he gave a most delightful smile, revealing a perfect row of straight teeth. And oh, he had dimples! One deep hollow on each side of his cheeks.

He was decked out in a light blue T-shirt and beige berms. And he wore blue Crocs, a shade darker than his T-shirt. Casual chic yet oozing so much charm.

His companion called out to him again and he finally tottered over, gurgling some indecipherable melody of coos.

Oh, how I wish I could have given that little toddler a hug!

His dad was a North Indian i.e. fairer than the South Indians. With his pan-asian look, his mum could have been Chinese.

I'm really an Uncle and Auntie magnet

I’m sort of “stalked” by an uncle.

I had a 3-month stint at a career recruitment company more than 2 years ago. In mid 2007 to be exact. I helped set up a telemarketing team in the 2 weeks before I left and essentially did the recruitment for about 3-4 of the telemarketing staff.

Out of the CVs I received, I picked some and did phone interviews with them as a first round screening. Those I found suitable were called down for an interview with a product manager and most were subsequently hired. One of them was a retiree, a 50-something uncle. We’ll call him PS.

The telemarketing team was eventually put up at branch A of the company. I was situated at branch B which was in a completely different building.

When PS started work in August or September 07, he asked for my mobile number and some dumbass gave him my number. He SMS-ed me and also called me on my desk phone. Said he wanted to meet me and to treat me to lunch because I helped give him a “new lease of life”. Apparently he was in despair because he couldn’t get a job because of his age and he was very very grateful that I didn’t ostracise him because of his age.

He was persistent but I politely declined for a few times. I left the company in mid-September and he SMS-ed me saying he was sorry he didn’t get to thank me in person. I thought that was the end of the story. But he SMS-ed me in 2008 again to thank me.

I don’t recall hearing from him last year.

And then errr, I just received an SMS from him again.

“Hi Michelle, this is PS. I’ve not tnx u enuff 4 ur recommendation of the telemarketing job @ XXX n I hope u’ll gv me d chance 2 tnx u properly. Hav a nice day!”

**Company name has been masked.

Gosh...I can’t imagine a 50-something typing in such short forms. I don’t even type in such short forms………

I hope he doesn’t call.

*burp*

I had sinful food during lunch today.
Nasi lemak haha. It's literally been years since I had nasi lemak and so I thought to give it a try again haaa.

Plus I bought a cup of bubble tea…lychee green tee with pearls. Yum….

I think I am going to get a sugar higheeeeee!

busybodies

There is a bunch of people I know. Out of this group, there are about 2 or 3 people whom I doubt at times.

Something happens. Be it good or bad. And then these people are quick to ask questions. Probe. Ask some more. And then ask even more.

I really do wonder. If they’re asking out of pure kaypoh-ness or out of honest care and concern.

At this point in time, I tend to believe they are behaving this way because of the former reason.

It does irk me a little, a lot at other times and sometimes I try not to bother.

I must learn to be more patient.

Monday, January 25, 2010

On leave

I had brunch by myself today. :)

I was on leave and it felt good to spend time alone with myself.
The parents are away and I have the whole house to me, myself and I. Wheeee!

Brunch was at Bakerzin at Tampines One.

Took a slow leisurely walk there, plonked myself down, ordered and then read a book whilst munching on raisin bread...Warm raisin bread with balsamic vinegar..lovely.

Ordered their set meal and it came with hot pumpkin soup! Ahh...cosy cosy food..I like!
The penne in mushroom cream sauce I ordered had whole chunks of garlic and asparagus in it. Both are my favs and together with mushrooms, they brought me to heaven haha.

I was the only one there for a good whole 45minutes. Hahaa...Was reading "The Fours Sisters of Hofei". A real-life biography of a family...tracing their history from the 19-century till about 2002.

And enjoying some quiet time with myself........

And then. TMD. My boss SMS-ed me.

Wah lau. Anti-climax. He doesn't know when to NOT do these things.
You as a boss should not SMS your staff whilst they're on leave and during the weekends.
Unless it's a real emergency. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
He SMS-ed me at 11-plus, at 4-plus and at 5-plus. For inconsequential issues. WTF?

*wails*

I just spent $1,500 on a massage and a facial package this afternoon!

*looks at dry pockets*

*sniff*

Toothy

Over the last few years, I've noticed that it's getting increasingly difficult just to buy a toothbrush.

Gone are the days of a toothbrush being a plastic stick, with a rectangular-looking brush at the end of it. And with the bristles being all of the same height and colour.

These days, toothbrushes come in all sorts of colour, shape, size and PRICE.

I spent a good 10 minutes staring dumbfounded at the rows of toothbrushes in front of me. I was at Watsons. And all I wanted was just to buy a toothbrush to replace my pink Oral B.

Pinky has served me well over the last year or so. I know I know. It's recommended that toothbrushes are to be changed about once every 3 months. But well, I grew attached to her. Hehe. ;p

I went to Watsons with a mission. To find a similar pink toothbrush. From Oral B preferably.

And it took me a ridiculously long 10 minutes plus just to find a reasonable toothbrush for myself.

I never knew the toothbrushes of this day and age came with so many fancy names and functions. Where have I been in the last one year???

Whitening. Sensitive. Ortho Brush. Ultra Max.

Cross-bristles. Straight bristles. Multi-coloured. Single-coloured. Round patterns. Diamond patterns. Rubber bristles. Rubber flaps. Tall bristles with shorter ones. Short bristles with taller ones. Wavy bristles.

Rubber grip with diagonal grooves. Rubber grips with circular grooves. Rubber grips with a polka-dotted rough surface.

35mm. 40mm.

Ultra soft. Medium. Hard.

$3.50. $5. $6.95. $10.95. $12.95.

Like what the hell?? So many factors to consider just to buy a toothbrush???

I just want a PINK Oral B toothbrush!!

Oh well. Alas, I could not find any pink Oral B toothbrush. And so.....I reluctantly settled for an aqua coloured toothbrush. From Oral B of course. :) $6.95.

Voila. Pinky's lying in the bin now. I bid her a solemn farewell.

I put Aqua in his new home earlier, He seems to be doing fine in the toothbrush holder. He's been introduced to my teeth, gums and tongue already. I think they'll get along pretty well. :)






Sunday, January 24, 2010

Novena

I might go down to Novena Church one of these days again to listen to their service.
Will also buy the small little book they use for service.

granny

Gran's 94 this year.

Having a conversation with her can be fun at times, bland at times, boring at times, ridiculously funny at times and tiring at times. She can be quick-witted one moment, extremely forgetful the next moment, sarastic one moment and just plain woozy the next moment.

When the mind's old and feeble, and time is more than sufficient, imagination takes place in its fullest potential.

We've had conversations with her before where she has imagined things. Like saying that my sister-in-law makes love letters to sell for CNY when that is not the case at all.

She caused family relations to be a little strained late 2008 or early 2009 when she went through a period of time accusing a family member of being involved in illicit affairs. Of course, we all know she's having dementia. But still, being accused of such things and in full view of other members of the family is not a nice thing to endure.

The latest fiasco. She thought my brother died and was crying and wailing and sobbing from 2-3am all the way till this morning. According to the nurses, she was making a din throughout the night.

She packed my brother's photo, wore her slippers and demanded to be let out and be brought to his "funeral" so that she can see him one last time.

My Aunt and brother had to go down to the nursing home early this morning before my gran was convinced that he was okay.

Sigh.

Family

I guess each family has its own drama moments.

My own family. K's family. Some of my friend's families.

Why do some families have a no or less drama life compared to other families?

Hmm...

What the??

What a crushing way to die...Gosh.

Article extracted from ST online.
========

Jan 22, 2010
Sat on boyfriend; killed him

CLEVELAND (Ohio) - AN American woman had pleaded guilty to killing her boyfriend by sitting on him, reported MyFox National on Friday.

Mia Landingham, who weighs 136kg, sat on her much smaller boyfriend, Mikal Middleston-Bey, after they got into an argument in August last year, reported police in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr Middleston-Bey only weighed 54.4kg, said the police.

According to a Fox8 report, Landingham was sentenced to three years probation and 100 hours community service on Wednesday after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. She was immediately released from jail.

The report said that Landingham's attorney said there was a long history of domestic abuse in the couple's relationship and asked Judge Carolyn Friedland for leniency, saying Landingham had no prior criminal record.

Landingham apologised for squashing the father of her children. The couple have three children together. 'I just want to say that I am sincerely sorry about this situation. I wish I could take it back,' she said.

However Middleton-Bey's family were unhappy with the result, with one of his sisters saying: 'So basically you can say that I can go sit on somebody and get probation? I feel there wasn't no justice.'

Currently reading up online about:

  • the Navajo Indians
  • their history
  • their relationship with the land they love so much
  • their culture
  • their food
  • and their curent efforts in preserving thier culture and customs

In a way, I wish and hope that our own local clans are doing their best to either document or preserve the cultures and customs of the various dialects there are in Singapore.

Chasing Pirates - Norah Jones

Both K & I found this song extremely bizarre when we first heard it.
Chasing Pirates?? huh?? Plus, the melody was rathermonotonous and strange...

But I guess, it's one of those songs which strangely grows on you after hearing for more than a few times...Here's the song. you can gauge for yourself if you like it or not on the first listen.

Type type type

For those who are interested in finding out what their typign speed is, I came across an online test which actually calculates for you...:)

You can try it out here.

Mine's at 66wpm. :)

Culinary pursuits

My first attempt at making foccacia bread failed haha.

It was quite disappointing! The dough and smell all seemed perfect!

But it came out of the oven a little hard and crusty. Wasn't as fluffy as I thought it would be!
But the fragrance was there alright...haha.

It looked a little like Indian chappati actually lol...No pics though. No point taking a pic of a crusty hard piece of bread haha...

Hmm, nevermind, I shall give it a try again next time!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Health Screening

Went for a health screening yesterday. A yearly thing organized by the company.

Verdict so far:
- I apparently am 162cm and not 161cm. Hmmm.
- BMI’s at 17.9 so it’s quite alright. You can go do the math haha.
- BP is mighty fine
- Body fat analysis is good. 21.3% body fat.

Waiting for the other results to come in.
Hope my cholesterol level is as excellent as what last year’s report showed! Haha…

Words of Wisdom

It is always not nice to be caught in between two people.
Both literally and figuratively.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Geeky gawky

Currently reading up online about "Social Awkwardness"

Monday, January 18, 2010

Rash

I’ve got a funny little rash on my face. :(
A little itchy *scratch scratch*

Not sure of the cause as yet but there’s two possibilities.

Once the rashes go away, I’ll need to start on an elimination process to determine which product actually caused the rashes…bleah.

Watcha Say - Jason Derulo

We were singing this during one of the car rides. Catchy catchy tune. :)

wtf

I’ve got a taiji master as a colleague.
I’ve got a somewhat half bo-chup person as another colleague.

Was inadvertently sabo-ed this morning.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Cheenatown!

We went to Hong Lim Complex today. :)

My yearly duty as daughter to go buy fish maw, red dates, chinese sausages, dried sea cucumber, dried scallops, white fungus, black fungus and whatever other dried goods stuff my mum needs for her CNY cooking.

There's this shop at Hong Lim which I always visit. Their goods are relatively fresh and prices are reasonable. I don't really know the name of the shop though. Teck Soon Trading I think. Haha, I know where they are situated but can't really remember its name. ;p

She asked for less things this year. Only fish maw, red dates and chinese sausages. So it was a relatively easy shopping trip.

K was having a fun time checking out all the weird and bizzare chinese herbs. He happily pointed out a pile of dried lizards which were each stretched out on a stick. Lol.

There were also some seriously odd-looking foods or herbs which we couldn't identify. There was a pile of yellowish things which looked like puffed-up scrotal sacs of some unidentified animal. Errrr.....

Popped by the 2nd floor as well to grab some CNY decorations for the house hehe...My dad's going to complain about me being too cheena again haha.

It's always fun in Chinatown. I like the place!
Lots of interesting things to see hahhaa. Maybe I'll drag him down there again on another day. :)

Battery low

I've not been feeling my physical best over the last few days.
Ok, that sounds a little strange. Let me rephrase.

I've not been feeling very well the last few days. Mind over body doesn't seem to work well these days too haha..

Feeling feverish but when tested, my temperature's okay. Feeling breathless at times.
Climbing a small flight of stairs is enough to leave my thighs feeling jelly-like.
Feeling like too much things are going on around me and like as if my head's spinning from all the comings and goings. And the appetite's almost going out the window.

I was at K's place this afternoon and I was totally concussed from 3-plus till 5-plus. Couldn't peel myself off the bed.

I don't like being this way at all. I don't like being weak. :(
Maybe a short run tomorrow evening will do the trick.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Je dois practiquer un peu

Je m’en fiche! Parce qu’il est vendredi!

It est long temps que jai commencé etudier la langue française. Environs 3 ans je pense. Si j’avais plus des opportunités pour practiquer la langue, je pense que je serai meilleur en la.

J’ai un mal de tête a partir du moment que je me suis levé ce matin. Bah…je ne me pas sens bien jusqu’à maintenant. Ma bidouille aussi…

Oui, je sais, cette” post” est un peu bizarre…mais je ne peut pas penser justement maintenant….zzzzz.

Je veut rentrer chez moi....

zzzzzz

Woke with a headache. Those aches which make your head feel extremely heavy and groggy. Eyes are heavy-lidded today too. I’m just stoning at the desk right now.

*wails*

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Social networking

In my line of work, I sometimes deal with other counterparts in other countries.
I meet them in my travels and during conferences and meetings.

Naturally, a number of these folks are on my Facebook.
Some are working level staff, some are directors, some are middle managers, some are CEOs.

A director of the equivalent of my organisation in another country contacted me via Facebook today. Was asking me some questions about work and clarifying some stuff.

Lol, he was apologising profusely as he had misplaced my namecard and didn't know how else to reach me except via Facebook.

How interesting haha.

My King

I spent a grand total of only 15 minutes with K today.
But it was enough to light up my entire evening.
My otherwise bland evening.

I still have a dopey grin on my face despite me saying bye to him on the train about 2 hours ago...:D

*battle cry*

Feeling a little exhausted now....Don't know why haha.

It's only Tuesday!

Jiayou jiayou jiayou!!

There's 3 more workdays to go till the weekend!

Battle on!!!!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Poor SingPost

What is the big deal about the SingPost stunt?
I thought it was an interesting campaign. Quite innovative actually….

Conservative uptight folks out there have instead slammed the publicity stunt and have even called for a fine to be levied on SingPost.

Are Singaporeans that inflexible?

Poor SingPost haha. They've gotten loads of flak recently.

The Day So Far In Gist

Medication kills the appetite. For some meals, I'm been eating half of what I usually eat.

Back to work today. Clearing and replying to 200-odd mails.

Doing self performance appraisal at the same time. I think I worked hard for FY 09/10. I hope I get the same rating as I did last year.

I think OT is in the pipeline for today again.

Called K earlier on. Had a smile on my face when he picked up.

Am okay to meet up with an ex-hostel mate. But not feeling ok about things when he's saying he might bring someone else, another ex-hostel mate. But can't really back out of it now.

I'll be a listening ear again on Wednesday this week. Just arranged for dinner with a girlfriend.

Wondering when is a good slot to cut my hair.

Will be a busy week ahead. Hope the voice and stuffed nose heals soon. Today is Day 5 liao.

Trying to blog to escape from work for a few minutes.

But realising that it is rather silly to do so.

And so I will end this entry here. :)

Friday, January 08, 2010

orisinally original

I'm hooked again to.....www.orisinal.com

Hehe...some of their games are really very cute lah...cut me some slack. ;p

Bad press #3

Was woken at 730am this morning. By an SMS from the boss.
It's either he enjoys hounding me. Or he ENJOYS hounding me.

My company is out in the papers again. Bad press AGAIN.
Article number #3.

After tons of explanation and report writing and fact-finding and background investigations....I think there'll be more to come.

Chairman of Board, Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, CEO, President, General Manager, Corp Comms Team....

Now even foreign counterparts are asking or probing for information...

zzzz...glad I'm on MC today... haha...one less day of fire to fight! :))

Whee!

Japheth

A conversation with a new temp who came in yesterday. Young boy of 18, just done with his As at RJC and now awaiting results.

Me: Do you want to join us for lunch?
Him: Um ok!
Me: What's your name?
Him: Jayferf.
Me: Har?
Him: Jayferf.
Me: Jayferf??
Him: Uh ya.
Me: How do you spell that man?
Him: J-a-p-h-e-t-h
Me: Oh ok...interesting...


It was only later on when K googled for the name then I realised that oh.......
Japheth is actually listed as a son of Noah's in the Hebrew Bible.

Wow. Cheem.

Hop III

Rabbit stoning.
In a corner.
Swiping nose with paw.
On occassion.
Drowsy.
With chemicals.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Boo

A leaky nose, fever and scratchy throat isn’t exactly a fun way to begin the new work year.

The Coll isn’t making it very fun too.

Glad I have other people to cheer me up in the office. And the occasional dose of virtual TLC from the significant other.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Hop II

Rabbit sitting.
On its haunches.
Taking.
A much needed rest.
One ear flopping down.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Blubber

I watched a little of "Biggest Loser Asia" earlier on whilst having a late dinner.

Hmm.

There was a Filipino male contestant who tipped the scales at 200kg.

Hmm.

That's more than 4 times my weight....

Wow.

Pao3 Bu4

I was supposed to go run today...Reached home at 845pm...
By the time I get changed and warmed up, it would have been a little too late to head out for a run....

:(

Lamenting Time

1 dumb report.
2 newspaper articles. (bad press mind you)
3 organisations.
4 weeks of mayhem.

Plenty of people getting overly kancheong.
Working Level Staff, Senior Managers, Bosses, Senior Bosses, Parliamentary Secretaries, a Minister.

And who is the little fry at the end of the whole food chain?

No points for guessing.

Me.

For all the grand hoo-ha-ing which has been going on.
For all the people who are getting worked up.
For all the rest who are trying to get as much information as possible from me so as to cover their asses.
For all who are trying to get themselves out of the picture as far as possible.

Screw them. Screw it. Screw whatever.

But for all the rest of the sweethearts who are or have been a great helping hand in this whole mess.

I'm very grateful.

For my boss who is bearing a greater part of the burden actually.
I salute him. For having the energy to keep up with all this.
Maybe this is just a piece of cake for one with 30-odd years of experience.

But on the other hand.

Wah lau.
I am on on the brink of puking from being "harrassed" by him.

He called me at least 9 or 10 times today.
With the last 5 phone calls happening between 715pm to 1015pm.

He sms-ed me about the same number of times.
And I spent close to 2 hours in his office in total throughout the whole day.

I think I spoke to him on the phone today more than I have with my significant other.
Sheesh.

I hope tomorrow won't be as "eventful" as today.

of hems...but no haws.

I have come to realise.
That the skirts and dresses worn by working class girls.
Have grown.
Considerably.
SHORTER.

What the hell?
I saw a girl in my office tower today.
Wearing a dress which ended like at the most 3 or 4 inches below her butt only lor!!

Tell me is this appropriate for office?
Or am I just a prude?

P/s: to my horror, the girl took the same lift as I did and I discovered that she was working for the same organisation as I. Government public service employee leh. Can wear such stuff meh? *faint*

I'm Yours

Jason, I've neglected you these past few months.
So glad we spent some quality time earlier on!

Hop

Rabbit caught
In the glare
Of a car's headlamps
Frozen in terror and surprise

Monday, January 04, 2010

Throw a Stone and.....

You'll hit a graduate.

At least this was what people said about 5-6 years ago.

I think this phrase should be updated. It should sound like this now....

"Throw a stone and you'll hit....

A Masters student or a person already holding a Masters".


Why is everyone taking Masters?
Just found out two friends are doing their Masters now.

One MBA with Insead and one Masters in Science with NUS.....

I guess. I just don't have the drive to study anymore.
Did too much of that in uni perhaps? Haa.

How interesting.

Someone whom I've not been in touch for a long long time just asked me...

"How? Have you moved into your new flat? How's the environment there?"

How interesting.

It must really have been a very long time since we last communicated.

Tanned

My whole body's of varying shades of skin colour...With the tops of my shoulders being the darkest.

糟糕。。。这么办?

I had a dream

I saw my grandmother. She's 94 come February 16th but I saw her in her late 70s or early 80s, when she was still able to walk for longer periods of time.

I was in Malaysia. I think. Accompanying my grandmother to buy some household items. I remember buying clothes-pegs.

I saw schoolchildren. Most were just blurred visions. But there were two who spoke to me. Little Malays girls of ages 8 or 9 with pigtails. Sisters I think as they looked very much alike. The elder one spoke to me. There was a very mature and sombre air about her.

I remember feeling a general air of anxiety, heavy and bearing down on me. I remember the watchful eyes of Malay and Chinese hooligans on us. They were lurking in various streetcorners.

I remember two other boys with me. Not sure how they were related to me though. One was younger than I and the other was older than I. My grandmother and I were talking to them. We turned to look at something and when we turned back, they were gone. I remember trying to look for them. Perhaps this was when I felt the anxiousness.


Some analysis gleaned from websites:

Grandmother
To see your grandmother in your dream, represents nurturance, protection, and unconditional love. Consider the qualities and characteristics that exist in your own grandmother.

Children
To see children in your dream, signify an aspect of yourself and your childlike qualities. You may be retreating back to a childlike state where you are longing for the past and the chance to satisfy repressed desires and unfulfilled hopes. Perhaps there is something that you need to see grow and nurtured. Take some time off and cater to the inner child within. Alternatively, the dream may be highlighting you innocence, purity, simplicity, and carefree attitude.

Anxiety
To dream that you are experiencing some anxiety in some affair, is a reflection of what you may be feeling during your waking life. You may have repressed thoughts, unexpressed emotions, resentment, and hostility that are triggering your anxiety dream. This dream also denotes that you are disastrous mixing business with pleasure

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Crabby Old Man

Someone sent me this poem and I thought it best to share with others.
Old age, something which we all don't really think about now at age 30.
But which will inevitably arrive sooner than we think.

Nice and touching. Enjoy.

=============
What do you see nurses? . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . when you're looking at me?
A crabby old man, . . . . not very wise,
Uncertain of habit . . . ... with faraway eyes?

Who dribbles his food . . . . . . and makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . "I do wish you'd try!"
Who seems not to notice . .. . the things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . . a sock or a shoe?

Who, resisting or not . .. . . . lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding. . . . the long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . you're not looking at me..

I'll tell you who I am. . . as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . as I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of ten . .. with a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . . . . . who love one another.

A young boy of sixteen . . . . with wings on his feet
Dreaming that soon now . . . . . a lover he'll meet..
A groom soon at twenty .. . . .my heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . .. . that I promised to keep.

At twenty-five, now . . . . . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . and a secure happy home.
A man of thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other . . . With ties that should last.

At forty, my young sons . . . have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . .. to see I don't mourn.
At fifty, once more, . . babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children . .. . My loved one and me.

Dark days are upon me . . . .my wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . .. shudder with dread..
For my young are all rearing . . . young of their own.
And I think of the years,. and the love that I've known.

I'm now an old man . . . . . and nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age .. . . look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles .. . grace and vigour, depart.
There is now a stone . .. . where I once had a heart.

But inside this old carcass . . . a young guy still dwells,
And now and again .. . . . my battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . . . . life over again.

I think of the years, all too few . .. . gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . . . that nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people .. . . .. . open and see.
Not a crabby old man. Look closer .. . see ME!!

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Yammy Yummy?

It was a somewhat hot, sticky, sweaty but aromatic afternoon.
K and I were battling it out in the kitchen.

The opponents?

500gm of rice flour, 500gm of yam, black mushrooms, chinese sausages, dried shrimp, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, sugar and water. Oh yes, coriander, ried shallots, red chilli and spring onions.

Yeah, oh well, we were making Yam Cake.

1st attempt.

It turned out alright in terms of texture, colour, garnish and all.
BUT. I took my first taste and it was friggin bland. Darn.

We followed the recipe to a T. I think we should have just gone with our instincs. Afterall, cooking is quite usually based on instinct and "aggarration".
Still, it was a good first sttempt. Next time round it'll be MUCH BETTER.

I'll guarantee it. :)

A colourful colourful forest of garnishing...